History

CareGivers Forum began in the fall of 1989, hosted by Leadership Network at the Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Largely at the invitation of Dr. Louis McBurney of Marble Retreat, the first gathering brought together 44 men and women from across the country involved in ministering to those in ministry. The goal was to bring together those in like-minded ministry to learn from one another.

After the first year, Leadership Network agreed to host a second year if the group would put together its own "steering committee" to plan the time. And so it was launched.

The 1996 Gathering at Glen EyrieFor the first 10 years, the Forum met each fall at Glen Eyrie. Since then it has met at various locations including Tantara in the Missouri Ozarks, Simpsonwood Conference Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Stonecroft Conference Center in Branson, Missouri, Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake Wisconsin, and at WinShape Retreat in Mt. Berry, Georgia.

The Forum has brought together over 450 individuals representing more than 150 ministries from all across the U.S., Canada and several other countries. Between 50-100 participants attend each year, and many attend every year.

A special gift in 2012 allowed a record 144 to come together at WinShape Retreat in Georgia.

Over the last 25 years, many have come exploring the prompting of God to become involved in ministry to clergy and their families, and found a resource of experience and encouragement to pursue that call. Many others came and were encouraged by finding a host of other like-minded individuals already involved in ministry.

CareGivers Forum continues to be completely a volunteer network, continued by the efforts of fellow-caregivers.